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Best Cases for Your iPhone 4/4S

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To celebrate the iPhone’s fifth birthday, we take a look at some of the most reliable cases to keep your smartphone safe.

by
Dana Rose Falcone 1 / 10

In today’s world, shattering your precious iPhone seems more life-altering than starting a new job or wrecking your car. In fact, <a href="http://www.zdnet.com/blog/igeneration/could-you-live-without-your-iphone... recently reported that 67 percent of iPhone users say they cannot live without the device. </p>
<p>With iPhone repairs starting at $169 and replacements costing around $250, investing in a well-built case now can save you a trip to the Apple store after a spontaneous dip in the pool or a hazy night out with the guys later. (“I’m not sure what happened. I woke up this morning and it just wouldn’t turn on…”)</p>
<p>So whether you need a case that will stand up to your rigorous training sessions, weekly rock climbs, or just your butterfingers, one of these will do the trick. And to help figure out which works best for your lifestyle, we’ve divided our nine cases into three categories: Most Stylish, Most Durable and Most Functional.<p>

<h3><font color="red" font family="Arial">Most Stylish: IvySkin iPhone 4/4S Wrangler Case ($49.99)</font></h3>
IvySkin’s newest case defends your phone against the elements with a triple-coated outer shell. A felt-like, shock-absorbent material cushions the inside of your phone, while the Glass Touch-Thru Screen Grill, exclusive to Wrangler, protects the most accident-prone part of the iPhone. Wranger’s anti-glare camera cutout permits full use of the camera without any case interference, and interchangeable hard resin-coated buttons allow for enhanced interface with the home and power keys. Available in black, white, and red.</p>
<p>Our tester said, "it was annoying at first when putting the case on because the interchangeable buttons kept falling out, but once I got that squared away, those same buttons made it much easier to change volume and lock the phone, whereas other cases make the buttons hard to get to at times."</p>
<p>Available at <a href="http://www.ivyskin.com/iphone4-wranglercase.html" target="_blank">Ivyskin.com</a>.</p>

<h3><font color="red" font family="Arial">Most Stylish: Mophie Juice Pack Plus iPhone 4 & 4S Battery Case ($99.95)</font></h3>
<p>If you find yourself constantly running low on battery during a workout or at the bar, then look no further than the Mophie Juice Pack case. This sleek case comes in seven different colors and offers extended battery life for up to eight hours through an attachable battery pack built into the case. The case offers standby and charging modes, which let you choose exactly when to resort to the backup battery.</p>
<p>Four LED lights on the bottom of the lightweight case tell you how much juice you have left and let you know when the pack is fully charged (make sure all four light up to confirm that your phone is fully charged). The hardshell case and rubberized band provide additional safety without adding bulk.</p>
<p>Available at <a href="http://www.mophie.com/mophie-juice-pack-plus-iPhone-4-4S-battery-case-p/... target="_blank">Mophie.com</a>.</p>

<h3><font color="red" font family="Arial">Most Stylish: Speck CandyShell Card for iPhone 4S/4 ($39.95) </font></h3>
This two-layer case, available in six colors, masquerades as your typical iPhone case from the front, but flip it over and notice that it doubles as a wallet. Comfortably store up to three credit cards and folded bills in the back compartment—perfect for on-the-go types and light travelers. The rubberized slot ensures security, while the thumb release gives you easy access to your cards and cash. The hard outer shell protects your phone against impacts, while the soft rubber shell absorbs shock and guards the screen in the event of a screen-first fall.
<p>Our tester said, "Most cases go one of two ways, too bulky or too flimsy, this case found that happy medium. I've dropped it with no problem and it's not a hassle trying to dig it out of my pocket."</p>
<p>Available at <a href="http://www.speckproducts.com/candyshell-card-for-iphone-4.html" target="_blank">Speckproducts.com</a>.</p>

<h3><font color="red" font family="Arial">Most Durable: Case-Mate Phantom Case ($50)</font></h3>
<p>The makers of the <a href="http://www.case-mate.com/iPhone-4-Cases/Case-Mate-iPhone-4-4S-Tank-Cases... case bring us a version of their military-grade cover better suited for your daily life. Phantom’s two pieces snap on to cover the back and corners of your phone, with the soft outer cushion covering all ports, and the hard shell hugging the iPhone to offer maximum durability.</p>
<p>Despite a little padding, the slim design allows the case to glide right into your pocket. Case-Mate also includes a screen protector separate from the case itself. Phantom comes in 10 colors, making this case a bit more aesthetically appealing than other bulky cases meant to withstand your frequent snowboarding trips.
<p>Our tester said, "I honestly felt like I could go to war with this thing. It's solid as a rock."</p>
<p>Available at <a href="http://www.case-mate.com/iPhone-4-Cases/Case-Mate-iPhone-4-4S-Phantom-Ca... target="_blank">Case-mate.com</a>.</p>

<h3><font color="red" font family="Arial">Most Durable: Otterbox Armor Series for iPhone 4/4S (price TBA) </font></h3>
<p>Otterbox’s newest and toughest case can withstand a 20-foot drop, 30 minutes under 10 feet of water, and two tons of pressure, all without letting in any dust or debris. The Armor Series boasts a thermoplastic shell and a precision fit (within 0.003 of an inch) locked under a medical-grade stainless-steel latch. Its rectangular shape and black color refine the appearance and day-to-day functionality of previous models, though this series remains somewhat cumbersome. The headphone jack, speakers and mic are completely waterproof, as is the entire case. Consider this the Fort Knox of iPhone cases.</p>
<p>Our tester said, "I'm always by my pool, so I decided to test it out. Sure enough, not a drop of water touched the phone when I removed the case. This thing is great for water junkies."</p>
<p>Available at <a href="http://www.otterbox.com/armor-series/armor-series,default,pg.html" target="_blank">Otterbox.com</a>.</p>

<h3><font color="red" font family="Arial">Most Durable: Trident iPhone 4/4S Kraken AMS Case ($49.95)</font></h3>
<p>Trident’s latest and most durable case to date, the Kraken AMS, pairs the lightweight Perseus silicone case with the rugged A.M.S. exoskeleton shells to form the heavy-duty Kraken. Plugs cover all jacks to keep out dust, while remaining accessible for everyday use. All cases come with a detachable aluminum media stand, ideal for all types of outdoor activity.</p>
<p>Additional accessories for the tough case include a bike rail clip, desk clamp, tripod, windshield mount, and wire organizer, which allow you to personalize the case depending on your level of activity. This is the ultimate case for adventurers who want to safeguard their iPhone on the court, at sea, or on the side of a mountain. </p>
<p>Available at <a href="http://www.tridentcase.com/case/apple/iphone-6/apple-iphone-4-4s-kraken-... target="_blank">Tridentcase.com</a>.</p>

<h3><font color="red" font family="Arial">Most Functional: Rokform Rokbed v3 ($39)</font></h3>
<p>This tough polycarbonate case comes in 12 different colors and protects your phone from six different directions thanks to reinforcement in critical areas. The case features an integrated lock device, anti slip grip and detachable lanyard. You can mount your phone on almost any surface with the case’s Remote Mounting System, or pop in the magnetic insert that comes with the case to fix your phone on any metallic surface.</p>
<p>Additional accessories include the Rockmeister, a pocket clip/bottle opener that locks into the case, as well as a bike mount, tripod adapter and sport clip. As Rockform likes to remind us, the case was designed, engineered and made in America.</p>
<p>Our tester said, "The case has some weight to it, in a good way, because it's not too bulky and has plenty of backbone in case of a drop."</p>
<p>Available at <a href="http://www.rokform.com/cart/Rokbed-v3.html" target="_blank">Rokform.com</a>.</p>

<h3><font color="red" font family="Arial">Most Functional: G-Form X-Protect for iPhone ($39.99)</font></h3>
<p>G-Form’s flexible case hardens upon impact, absorbing 90% of the shock, then immediately returns to its malleable state. Two different pieces, meant to be used together, make up the X-Protect, and allow protection that can withstand an <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=vOQhUjBUydA">82-mph slapshot</a>. Extra padding around the iPhone’s four corners&mdash;its most common impact points&mdash;makes the case practical for day-to-day use, and a soft inner lining keeps the case from scratching your phone (an aspect many case makers often ignore). Make sure to pick up a screen protector, since the X-Protect’s only form of frontal defense comes from a raised lip that lines the top of your phone.</p>
<p>Available at <a href="http://g-form.com/products/x-protect-iphone/" target="_blank">G-form.com</a>.</p>

<h3><font color="red" font family="Arial">Most Functional: PureGear PX360˚ Extreme Protection System for iPhone 4/4S ($49.99) </font></h3>
<p>Held together by six screws and guarded by a screen protector, this case acts as an all-around shield with superior impact resistance. Though it isn’t waterproof, the case comes with a reusable waterproof bag. When you can anticipate the types of situations that necessitate a water-resistant bag (which would likely mean you wouldn’t need the bag in the first place) the bag may be useful, however, PureGear’s water resistant bag does not seem at all different from your everyday Ziploc bag.</p>
<p>More practical accessories that come with the case include a utility tool with a built-in wrench, kickstand and bottle opener. While the case adds thickness, the sporty design and carabiner hook imply that the user will appreciate the added mass during an array of high-impact adventures.</p>
<p>Available at <a href="http://www.pure-gear.com/shop-by-category/signature/px360-extreme-protec... target="_blank">Pure-gear.com</a></p>